[Ad-gifted] Our Numbered Bones is the first adult fiction debut from Katya Balen, an author previously celebrated for her award-winning children’s literature. Published by Canongate, the novel marks a striking shift in audience while maintaining Balen’s signature lyrical style. The story follows Anna, a writer based in London whose life has been upended by personal trauma. Seeking escape and inspiration, she retreats from London to a remote cottage in the English wetlands to join a writer’s retreat. However, her attempt at solitude takes an unsettling turn when she discovers a woman’s body, preserved in the marshland for years. This discovery draws Anna into a deep and increasingly obsessive reflection on grief, memory and her past.
At its core, the novel explores the idea that confronting buried pain is necessary for healing. Through its eerie premise and introspective narrative, Our Numbered Bones positions itself as both a psychological study and a meditation on loss.
So keep on reading to find out more about the book and what I thought of it.
What did I think of Our Numbered Bones?
Trigger warning – Let me start by saying that if you are emotionally down, depressed and suicidal, this book is probably not for you as I found Our Numbered Bones to be a powerful but a challenging read to start.
Katya Balen’s greatest strength is her writing style, which is often poetic, sparse and deeply atmospheric with the use of minimal words. The language feels carefully controlled, sometimes almost fragmentary, which mirrors Anna’s emotional state. This stylistic choice enhances the sense of disorientation and grief, making the reader feel immersed in her internal struggle.
I found the first few chapters deliberately slow and depressing, while this may not appeal to all readers, it seems it was written in this manner as it suited the subject matter well. Instead of focusing on plot-driven action, the book prioritises emotional depth and psychological realism. Anna’s grief unfolds gradually, with details of her trauma revealed in subtle, often indirect ways. Making the reader guess what actually happened to Anna. This creates a sense of intrigue, though at times it can feel frustratingly vague, but for me, this kept me motivated …so I kept on reading.
The book soon takes on a different, more exciting and cheerful tone once the mummified body is found. The mummy acts as both a literal and symbolic element, representing the idea of buried histories resurfacing. Anna’s growing fixation on the body reflects her inability to ignore her own past, reinforcing the novel’s central message about confronting loss and how Anna deals with it. The book soon becomes an easy read that I finish it in mere hours, finding joy in reading it between my daily chores and school pick up.
However, let me add that the book is intense and may not be for everyone. The themes of grief, trauma and mental health are explored in a raw and sometimes uncomfortable way. At points,especially at the start, I felt the emotional weight became overwhelming and wanted to put the book down but curiosity got the better of me. Also, the lack of clear resolution in certain areas might leave some readers unsatisfied.
Additionally, Anna is not a likable protagonist as she is emotionless and cold, hence it can be difficult to fully connect with her unless you have been through a similar experience. Despite this, I do appreciated the novel’s ambition and emotional honesty and the author’s idea to be different. I got into the book more and started enjoying it towards the end. I also have to add that the book is not a conventional narrative and it does not aim to provide easy answers. Instead, the book offers a reflective and thought-provoking experience that lingers even after you have turned the final page.
In a nutshell, Our Numbered Bones is a haunting and introspective novel that showcases Katya Balen’s transition into adult literary fiction. While its slow pace and heavy themes may not suit every reader, it stands out for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. For those interested in character-driven stories about grief and healing, it is a compelling and definitely a memorable read!
How much is Our Numbered Bones and where can you buy it?
The paperback copy of Our Numbered Bones retails at £13.69 while the Kindle Edition is priced at £8.99 and this is available from Amazon. Please check the website for the latest pricing as this might change.
About the Author
Katya is an author and the co-director of Mainspring Arts, a charity that provides creative opportunities for neurodivergent people. Her debut novel, The Space We’re In, was highly commended for the Branford Boase Award and longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Her second book, October, October was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
She lives in South London with her partner, two lazy dogs and an assorted collection of dying house plants.
About the Book
Publisher : Harpervia
Pages : 256 Pages
Book Type : Paperback
ISBN-13 : 978-0063459540
Dimensions : 13.97 x 2.11 x 20.96 cm
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
12 comments
The book I’m reading now is weirdly about a writer that goes off on a writing retreat. Although it’s a totally different story to this one. This sounds really up my street though, I like books that are a bit eerie and challenging. It’s interesting how she’s gone from children’s writing to this. I can imagine it’s quite a difficult shift. This sounds great though. I’m going to add it to my goodreads list!
I can’t agree with you more Claire, the author is talented and how surprising to go froom children’s book to this deep and reflective piece
This sounds like an amazing read! I love the way she wove an entire story around healing and the introspection we have to do to get there. Sounds very good!
It was and I did enjoy it in the end
Really detailed review of Our Numbered Bones, I appreciate the balanced perspective shared here today.
Sounds like a challenging but very meaningful read overall.
Yes you are spot on Marie, challenging to start with but it ends on a high
I like that this book sounds deep and well written. Thank you for sharing your review.
You are welcome, yes deep but so well written that it pulls you into the story
I am not sure if I am ready to read this book to be honest. I am feeling very emotional these days and I think it might affect me.
Yes it definitely will Karen, so I would wait a while untile you are a bit stable to read it
Our Numbered Bones sounds like an awesome book to pick up and read. Thank you so much for the recommendation.
You are so welcome, the book is so different and unique